“After Dhoni retired, my performance with the ball wasn’t great” – Kuldeep Yadav opens up on former Indian skipper’s impact on his bowling

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has admitted that his bowling took a dip after former skipper MS Dhoni retired. Dhoni last played for India in the semifinal of the 2019 World Cup against New Zealand and announced his retirement on 15th August 2020.

Meanwhile, Dhoni kept guiding Kuldeep Yadav as well as Yuzvendra Chahal on the right track from behind the stumps. However, after Dhoni retired, the spin duo could not bring their A-game consistently.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep recently did a fine job for India, taking 19 wickets in four Test matches at an average of 20.16 against England. The wrist spinner bagged eight wickets in the fifth Test match at Dharamsala and thus was awarded the Player of the Match.

“I wanted him to play more because it was very easy for us when we (himself and Chahal) were bowling. After Dhoni retired, my performance with the ball wasn’t great. It happens when a person guides you and that person’s influence is not there anymore, then suddenly everything is on your shoulders. It takes time for you to react to the situation.. that probably happened to me. Then slowly you understand and become self-reliant,” said Kuldeep in an interview with Indian Express.

Kuldeep added he didn’t have to think too much when Dhoni was behind the stumps as the veteran kept providing the assistance.

“Chahal and I really enjoyed when Mahi bhai was keeping wickets, he used to give a lot of ideas. I didn’t have to think too much when I was bowling. I just had to bowl and he would even adjust the fields. No doubt the time I had with Mahi Bhai on the field and even off the field was great,” said Kuldeep.

Kuldeep will now be seen in action while playing for Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Punjab Kings at Mohali on March 23.